The Research Foundation is closely monitoring the latest updates and developments regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). During these uncertain times, coping with our new realities can be difficult, but we want to reassure you that we are working hard to support you and your work during this crisis. The ongoing disruptions have created many challenges and we want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication to the research mission of CUNY while managing your other responsibilities.
As part of our ongoing efforts to provide the most up to date guidance, we have received much appreciated feedback from our community about how we can improve our communications. With this important feedback, we have redesigned our Coronavirus Guidance Page, consolidated our communications to field employees and PIs, and created a short form dedicated to your COVID-19 related questions. This form will help us provide you with guidance while also enabling us to track vital information and identify emerging patterns.
Please note that the rapidly evolving nature of this public health situation necessitates frequent assessment, evaluation and modification of our policies and plans, which are fluid and subject to change at any time. As always, the Research Foundation is following the recommendations of the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the latest information. The Research Foundation is also working closely with CUNY to provide the most up-to-date guidance. To keep current, please check back frequently with this or CUNY’s web page (https://www.cuny.edu/coronavirus/) for additional information and updates.
CUNY colleges have developed new access procedures for working on site. Please check with individual college websites below for campus and research reopening plans. Before reporting to work at any campus, office and facility throughout the CUNY system, all Faculty and staff, including RF staff, must:
In addition, CUNY has arranged for priority testing for Faculty and staff (including RF staff) who report to work ON SITE. RF employees must go to the HR Department of the campus at which they report to work to obtain a letter to bring with them, along with their CUNY ID, to one of the testing sites listed on CUNY’s website.
We want to take this opportunity to remind our diverse RFCUNY community that we are an organization that takes pride in its welcoming environment and unwavering promotion of the values of equity and inclusion. These challenging times are not an excuse to behave any differently towards those with who we serve, live and work. Any staff who experience discrimination of any kind are urged to speak with RFCUNY’s Office of Human Resources.
What You Need to Know Now About COVID-19
COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) is circulating widely throughout New York City, sickening thousands and putting hospitals under extreme stress. To fight the spread and protect ourselves and each other, the city’s Health Department advises that everyone should act on the assumption that they are exposed to the virus and susceptible to getting sick and spreading it further.
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness with symptoms that can range from mild (a sore throat or fatigue) to a severe condition such as pneumonia. Most people will not need medical attention for their symptoms, and some will have no symptoms at all. But that doesn’t mean they can’t spread the virus. All New Yorkers need to monitor their health carefully so that together we can slow the spread and protect those at higher risk, along with our health care workers who are at the front lines of our battle against the virus.
If you are sick, you must stay home. Only seek health care if you are very sick. Even if you are not sick, stay home as much as you can: work from home, study from home, avoid all unnecessary interactions.
How it spreads
Who is most at risk
How to protect yourself—and everyone else
What to do if you were in close contact with someone who has or may have the virus
Contact Us with your Questions, Concerns or Suggestions.